As a result of physical inactivity, we observed small but significant changes in metabolic profiles and body composition that would predispose individuals to the development of metabolic syndrome and/or type 2 diabetes: a decrease in insulin sensitivity, increase in plasma triglycerides (0.2 mmol/L), loss of (lower limb) lean body mass and deposition of total body and liver fat (0.2%). The gene discussed is INS; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.